Ray Gosack

Ray Gosack, 58, passed away October 21, 2016 in Fort Smith. He was born April 16, 1958 in Phoenix, AZ to Raymond A Gosack and Bernice (Wilson) Gosack. Ray earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Arkansas. He was recognized as the outstanding 1985 graduate of the MPA program.

Ray was hired as the City Administrator of Fort Smith in 2011 and he retired in July 2015.

His accomplishments were:

• Adoption of Fort Smith's first-ever comprehensive plan and its update.

• Development of water supply and landfill capacities that will meet regional needs beyond 2070.

• Redevelopment of the former Fort Chaffee Army post resulting in hundreds of jobs and hundreds of millions in private investment.

• Revitalization of downtown.

• A new, sustainable mission for the 188th Wing.

• Remedying the chronic wet weather sanitary sewer overflows.

• Fostering regional cooperation to leverage federal investment and stimulate economic development.

• Constructing 6 major roadway expansion projects that alleviated traffic congestion, improved safety, and supported growth and jobs creation.

• Keeping the city government financially solvent during economically tumultuous times.

• Expanding parks and recreation services to keep and attract citizens.

• Working with the Chamber of Commerce to bring thousands of new jobs to Fort Smith.

• Nine successful tax referendums which demonstrated voter confidence in the city government.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Ray and Bernice Gosack.

He is survived by his brother, Mike Gosack and his wife Teena, of Greenwood, AR; his Godson, Tyler Smith of College Station, TX; his cousin, Mary Louise Martin and her husband Tom of St. Louis, MO; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at Grace Community Church, 4001 Brooken Hill Drive, Fort Smith, AR 72908. Services and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

The family will visit with friends following the service. Memorials may be sent to: Grace Community Church, 4001 Brooken Hill Drive, Fort Smith, AR 72908.

Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com